John Leon Ostrovsky

On July 11, 2024, John Leon Ostrovsky passed away in a hospital in Richmond Hill, Ontario. At the age of 82 and after many battles over many years with cancer, congestive heart failure, multiple strokes, pulmonary edema, and a raft of other health issues, he finally took his last breath unexpectedly quickly. He was a man who defied the odds, medical advice and expectations, and most human limitations with the resolute grace of a bull in a china shop. After pancreatic cancer at the age of 56 from which his odds were virtually non-existent, his following 26 years became an example of resilience, tough mindedness, and a pure love for life. He was never defeated; he was always looking forward to his next adventure. He is survived by his true love and lifelong partner, his wife Ita, and his 2 children, Sharon and Kevin. He was a beloved Gappa and Grandpa to his 5 grandchildren, Olivia, Braden, Reece, Hudson, and Finn.

John was born in Palestine (soon after to become Israel) on January 8, 1942. He spent his first 14 years there with his parents and 4 siblings (Daniel, Aviva, David, and Ruth) on a small farm. He moved to England in 1956 where he spent his teenage years. He later migrated to Canada where he attended the University of Toronto and graduated as a civil engineer. After a few more years he started a plastics manufacturing company, Tangibles Ltd. His invention of the Snippit, followed by other ideas and products fostered a company that is still family run by his son Kevin to this day. 

As an agnostic with strong political opinions, John had an absolute determination and perspective on life that could prove contentious at times and endearing occasionally. He had a strong opinion on everything and was quick to voice it. He had a beautiful smile and kind laugh that was contagious. He enjoyed a good joke, the less politically correct the better. He was a grown man that could walk through a park loudly talking sweet nothings to his poopee - his pet name for his dogs - and never cared what people thought as he did this, even if the people accompanying him were less keen on it. He loved spending time outdoors – walking, boating, fishing, hunting, anything that involved a bit of adventure. He had quite a few interesting hunting trophies: bear, turkey, even the dash of his truck. His exploits left many people with unbelievable stories, often created from his very goal oriented but less safety focused approach. But thankfully his 99 lives insurance policy in life appeared to extend to those with him, leaving fantastic stories for his upcoming funeral on Saturday, July 27, 2024 @ 1pm Westminster Funeral & Reception Centre (5826 Bathurst St). Despite John’s notoriety for being late to everything, please feel free to arrive on time. Food will be provided after the service during a less formal celebration of his shenanigans.

In lieu of flowers donations in John's memory can be made to the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre

Visitation will be held at Westminster Funeral & Reception Centre (5826 Bathurst St. between Finch and Steeles on the west side), located on the grounds of Westminster Cemetery, it is the first building on your left. The family will receive guests on Saturday July 27 at 1:00pm until the commencement of the service at 2:00pm.